KARATINA UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES WAFW COHORT 2 AND INAUGURAL MEN’S ACADEMY FOR THE FUTURE OF AFRICA

Karatina University has once again marked a historic milestone with the launch of the second cohort of the World Academy for the Future of Women (WAFW) and the inaugural cohort of the Men’s Academy for the Future of Africa. This achievement makes Karatina University the first institution in Africa to host these globally recognized leadership programs, which are designed to nurture young men and women into visionary, ethical, and transformative leaders

A section of students listening keenly during the launch of the WAFW and Men’s Academy cohorts

The event, held at the University Conference Hall, brought together the University Management led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof. Richard Kiai (representing the Vice Chancellor), members of Senate, partners and sponsors of the program including the CEO of Global Interactions and WAFW, Ms. Jerrie Ueberle, representatives from the KCB Foundation, parents, students from WAFW Cohort 2 and the Men’s Academy Cohort 1, as well as members of staff. The implementation of the program is a collaboration between Karatina University, the Africa Leadership Transformative Network (ALT Network), Global Interactions, and the KCB Foundation.

Reading the Vice Chancellor’s speech, Prof. Richard Kiai conveyed Prof. Linus Gitonga’s gratitude to the partners for their collaboration and his encouragement to students to seize the opportunity presented by the program s. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the launch of WAFW Cohort 2 and the Men’s Academy reflects the University’s commitment to advancing leadership, gender equity, and societal transformation. He further urged the students to take advantage of the rare opportunity brought to them and expressed the commitment of the institution to supporting the mission.

Prof. Richard Kiai, the DVC (Planning, Finance and Administration), delivers his remarks during the launch of the WAFW and Men’s Academy cohorts.

On behalf of the DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs, the Director of Resource Mobilization and International Programmes, Prof. Kellen Kiambati, provided a brief background on the introduction of the programme. She highlighted that the WAFW and Men’s Academy directly align with the University’s motto, “Inspiring Innovation and Leadership,” by equipping students with skills, confidence, and global perspectives to make meaningful contributions to society. She further noted that the programmes aim to nurture leaders who will address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while embracing intercultural learning to thrive in an interconnected world.

The CEO Global Interactions and World Academy for the Future of women gesticulates as she addresses the students.

On the other hand, the KCB Foundation represented by Ms. Eva Mukami reaffirmed the Foundation’s strong commitment to the programme, noting its role in empowering youth leadership as a driver of sustainable development. She pledged continued support to ensure the success of the initiative.

Ms. Jerrie Ueberle, CEO of WAFW and Global Interactions, lauded Karatina University for embracing the programme and thanked parents for their support. She encouraged the students to embrace the journey ahead, emphasizing the transformational impact the programme would have on their personal and professional growth. WAFW alumna, Ms. Jessie Huang from China, also shared her inspiring story of transformation, encouraging the new cohorts to maximize the opportunities before them.

The WAFW and Men’s Academy are intensive leadership development programmes that challenge students to expand their voices, discover their vision, and take purposeful action. Through interactive learning, mentorship, and community impact projects, students are equipped with practical skills and the courage to advance gender equality, social justice, and leadership that transforms communities.

WAFW and Men’s Academy students pose for a group photo with their parents, members of Senate, the University Management, Ms. Jerrie Ueberle, and the KCB team during the launch of the programmes.

The launch of WAFW Cohort 2 and the inaugural Men’s Academy at Karatina University demonstrates the institution’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and global engagement. It reaffirms the University’s role in producing well-rounded graduates who are prepared to lead with responsibility, vision, and impact in an ever-changing world.